We Inherit the Results of Adam’s Sin, and not his Guilt The doctrine of original sin as espoused in the West, is foreign to Orthodoxy, yet in no way suggests we do not need to be born again (born anew). We believe, as did the Early Church Fathers, that we
Category: The Morning Offering
Through Little Victories Progress is Made The acquisition of holiness is not simply the result of having cultivated virtues, or controlling oneself through asceticism, but rather having a completely organic relationship with Christ. This organic relationship is the result of going through stages of repentance and purity, leading to a
Quietude, Silence, and Prayer It is in keeping constant vigilance, guarding our senses, and living a life of repentance and self-rapprochement, that we can hope to gain control of our passions and enter into true communion with God. The basic element of such a life has got to include quietude,
The Cure for Our Disordered State Man is living in a perpetual state of disorder, far from the ordered life God intended for him. The cure for this disordered state is to be found in prayer. It is in the foundation of prayer that we seek out the healing that
Orthodoxy and Beauty are InseparableOrthodox Christianity attracted me from my very first encounter with the magnificence of its churches and the grandeur of her divine services. Having grown up amid the natural beauty of Northern Idaho, with mountains and lakes that could take our breath away, I’d previously found inspiration
When the Doors of Mercy are Slammed Shut This world is filled with people who are suffering, and estranged from God. People who need the healing that the Church has to offer, are often excluded from the very place that can bring about wholeness, often because we exclude them from
By Gideon Levy Why a Carmelite Nun Believes the Chemical attack in Damascus was Faked September 1, 2013 Sister Agnes-Mariam de la Croix feared that the United States would attack Syria on Saturday night. She expected the attack to be massive and would bring disaster to Syria and the entire
The Doors of Mercy are Open to All Within the tabernacle of the Hebrew people, the ark was the place wherein God dwelt in the midst of a sinful people. They could not hope to approach their holy God and not be destroyed, as were Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1-3).
Living in Expectation of Miracles While just a little boy in the Lutheran Church, I remember asking the pastor why we didn’t see miracles in the church like had happened in the Bible. He told me they were used in New Testament times to jump start the church, and were
Complaining Bears the Fruit of Bitterness Instead of complaining, do something about your complaints. Make a difference in your life, and the lives of those around you, by keeping focused on making a difference. If there is reason to complain, change your complaint into a positive action that changes your